Environmental impact of road salt in Boonton, NJ
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Greg Pope
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:29 PM
Description
Winter road de-icing is essential for public safety, but its environmental impact on local water bodies is a growing concern. This study investigates the chemical changes in local water sources following deicing practices in Boonton, NJ, focusing on chloride concentrations, salinity, conductivity, and pH. Water samples will be collected from streams in an urban area impacted by road salt after a snow/ice event. A control group will be sampled from the same locations under conditions with no recent salt usage. The study hypothesizes that road salt will significantly alter the chemical balance in water bodies, raising chloride and conductivity levels, and potentially reducing water quality. This research aims to identify the environmental risks posed by deicing agents and offer insights into sustainable winter road treatment methods that minimize adverse effects on freshwater ecosystems. The findings will enhance understanding of the broader impacts of deicing chemicals on urban water health.
Environmental impact of road salt in Boonton, NJ
Winter road de-icing is essential for public safety, but its environmental impact on local water bodies is a growing concern. This study investigates the chemical changes in local water sources following deicing practices in Boonton, NJ, focusing on chloride concentrations, salinity, conductivity, and pH. Water samples will be collected from streams in an urban area impacted by road salt after a snow/ice event. A control group will be sampled from the same locations under conditions with no recent salt usage. The study hypothesizes that road salt will significantly alter the chemical balance in water bodies, raising chloride and conductivity levels, and potentially reducing water quality. This research aims to identify the environmental risks posed by deicing agents and offer insights into sustainable winter road treatment methods that minimize adverse effects on freshwater ecosystems. The findings will enhance understanding of the broader impacts of deicing chemicals on urban water health.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.